Earth Day Takeaway from SDI Director Chris Caldwell

Posoh,

As some of you may know, Earth Day turned 43 years old on Monday[1]. Thanks to United States Senator Gaylord Nelson’s efforts back in 1970, we now recognize April 22^nd as a day that promotes environmental awareness and protection efforts across the earth. Originally planned as a teach-in opportunity for college campuses to focus on issues of the environment, the event has since grown to inspire the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [2], as well as global efforts like the United Nations General Assembly adoption of Resolution 63/278 to recognize April 22^nd, as International Mother Earth Day[3].

At The Sustainable Development Institute we participate in Earth Day activities because of the common ideals between Earth Day and the SDI mission to promote the values of sustainability. However, the primary inspiration for our mission comes not from Senator Nelson, as important as his contributions have been, but from the long history of the Menominee tribe and its protection of the land, and care for the resources and people. The Menominee Forest history is the example and impetus that is at the heart of what drives SDI and its mission. This year SDI participated in Earth Day activities by holding an Earth Day fair which discussed mining, water resources, climate change, and sustainability pledges, which culminated in a special presentation by Al Gedicks, author of Resource Rebels, who discussed past and current mining issues in Wisconsin. We were able to coordinate this event and especially Mr. Gedicks participation thanks to the CMN SEEDS student group[4].

I think the main message for Earth Day is wherever you draw your inspiration and desire for all things sustainable, it comes down to an individual choice to follow that with action. Whether its simple things like stopping and picking up a piece of garbage, recycling, signing a sustainable living pledge, or something long term like choosing to pursue an education, internships, or a career in an environmental field, or even totally changing the way you approach living in this world. It all takes a personal commitment to the values you choose to follow.

As the new Director of SDI I’ve found myself questioning[5] more and more, what does it really mean to be sustainable? Am I doing everything I can to make better choices not just for my children and grandchildren’s future, but for the future of our forest and our Nation? It can be tough to think about these things with our busy schedules, but it is necessary as individuals and communities if we intend to care for the land and resources we have been given.

Waewaenon,
Chris Caldwell
SDI Director

---

[1] My original deadline for this blog was Monday. Please see my excuse at procrastination (sub-titled for my Spanish speaking friends).

[2] http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

[3] http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/63/278

[4] AISES, another CMN student group had a table set up. I always have to give my props to AISES from my days with the UW-Madison AISES group.

[5] Well, not totally true, my wife and kids ask me as well. What does sustainability mean? I can’t lie and say it means sitting watching TV all day, Can I?